Rideshares have become the primary mode of transportation for many US citizens. It is quite a convenient mode of transportation.
The problem with rideshare services is that they increase the rate of accidents. In fact, a report says that there has been a 3% increase in traffic accidents since the introduction of the rideshare industry.
Rideshare accidents can cause heavy losses to the victim. One way to recover these losses is by filing a rideshare accident claim. This can be done with the help of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.
Rideshare accident cases are a bit more complex than normal car accident cases. Read on to learn more about rideshare accident cases.
Rideshare Accident Settlement
As mentioned, the victim will sustain many losses. These losses fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Through a rideshare accident claim, the victim can recover the following damages:
- Medical bills: The most basic form of loss that any accident victim will sustain is medical bills. The expenses you incur due to treating the injuries can be recovered through the claim.
- Property repair costs: Your property might have been damaged in the accident. The cost to repair that property can be recovered.
- Lost wages: During the healing period, you won’t be able to go to work, especially if the work is physically demanding.
- Loss of earning capacity: The victim may lose the ability to earn in some cases. In that situation, you can claim compensation for the money you would have earned if you had worked.
- Pain and suffering: It is a form of non-economic loss. Pain and suffering is the physical and mental pain the injuries have caused you.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Some may lose the ability to have fun in life. They can claim compensation for their loss of enjoyment in life.
- Loss of consortium: In the worst cases, you may lose a loved one in the accident. You can claim compensation for the loss of companionship you have endured due to the death.
When you receive a settlement offer, make sure it covers the above losses.
Rideshare Accident Claim
Not all accident claims are the same. However, some general rules apply to all cases.
- Burden of proof: In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff bears the burden of proof. It means they have to prove the elements of personal injury law.
- Calculation of losses: You should know your accurate losses. It is impossible to secure fair compensation without knowing the full extent of your losses. Use the per diem method or the multiplier method to calculate non-economic losses. You can just use addition to calculate economic losses.
- Demand letter: To initiate a claim process, you need to send a demand letter to the defendant’s insurance company. You need to include your losses and state how much you are claiming as compensation.
- Statute of limitations: It is important to know that you have a deadline to file a claim. The deadline differs for every state. So speak with your lawyer to know about the statute of limitations in your state.
Rideshare Insurance
- Personal Injury Protection: PIP is a type of insurance that is mandatory in most states. This insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages. However, it does not cover property losses.
- Uber/Lyft Insurance: The rideshare company will offer compensation for accidents if the accident happened while the driver was on duty. The maximum coverage will be $1 million, and the mid-level coverage will be $50,000 for bodily injuries.
Final Thoughts
Rideshare accident claims can be a complex process. Understanding everything about rideshare accident claims can be difficult, which is why you need to get the help of a lawyer. They know everything about these claims and can help you secure fair compensation.